At 10am the lake was beautiful and the sky very blue - marvelous conditions for birding with two exceptions. 1) There was an Ultimate Frisbee competition going on, making it impossible to bird much of the park. 2) Wind! Strong wind! The wind made it difficult for the smaller birds and the Hawks to reach their intended destinations. A Red-tailed hawk, pushed by the wind was moving sideways.

Cassin's Kingbird (above), about six of them, were attempting to perch in a old California (native) Walnut tree (below), but the wind was making it difficult. Cassin's Kingbirds are flycatchers (eat insects, also berries and fruits). They are known to be talkative which is helpful in identification, especially when the wind is blowing them hither, thither, and yon.

First sighting of the morning was four American White Pelicans (below) with an 8 - 9 ft. wingspan, coming in for a landing.

They landed gracefully near a large flock of Canada Goose. Fortunately, I was standing by the edge of the lake when they flew over - a magnificent sight!

In the Eucalyptus trees (above) were Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawk. Black Phoebe, always a favorite, was everywhere. I think she was following me. On the lake, American Coot, Mallard and Double-crested Cormorant - a flock, of Bushtits accompanied by a two Chestnut-backed Chickadee were flitting thru lakeside willows. The wind eventually slowed down to a light breeze. As I walked back to my car, I counted 8 Cassin's Kingbird in and around lakeside willows. This was the first time I had seen a flock of Cassin's. Perhaps they had come to Laguna Lake Park for the Ultimate Frisbee competition. Personally, I prefer dog Frisbee. (Google Image)